Smoking as a risk factor for choroidal neovascularization secondary to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship of smoking to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS).

Design: Retrospective, case-control study.

Participants: A total of 568 patients 18 to 50 years of age, 142 of whom were diagnosed with CNV secondary to POHS in a private retina practice between July 1, 2000, and August 1, 2010.

A unique case of autoimmune retinopathy associated with anti-alpha-enolase antibodies.

Background. We report a case of autoimmune retinopathy associated with anti-alpha-enolase antibodies with unique manifestations. Methods.

Effects of twice-daily topical difluprednate 0.05% emulsion in a child with pars planitis.

Purpose: To report the effects of twice-daily difluprednate in a child with pars planitis (PP).

Design/methods: Case report.

Results: PP was controlled with topical difluprednate for 1 year.

Radial optic neurotomy with adjunctive intraocular triamcinolone for central retinal vein occlusion: 63 consecutive cases.

Purpose: Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a leading cause of permanent retinal vascular blindness. In a previous communication the authors reported the results of radial optic neurotomy (RON) in 117 consecutive patients with severe CRVO. Persistent cystoid macular edema (CME) and macular pigmentation (MP) were observed and correlated with worse macular function.

Radial optic neurotomy for central retinal vein occlusion: 117 consecutive cases.

Purpose: Venous occlusive disease is the second leading cause of permanent retinal vascular blindness. The anatomy of the optic disk including the cribriform plate and scleral ring may contribute to the development of retinal vasoocclusive diseases. Neurovascular compression within the confined space at this location (scleral outlet) may play a pathoetiologic role in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

A prospective trial of infliximab therapy for refractory uveitis: preliminary safety and efficacy outcomes.

Objective: Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha, is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of numerous autoimmune disorders. We conducted a prospective, open-label phase 2 clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of infliximab in treating refractory autoimmune uveitis.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 23 patients from the uveitis clinic of the Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Ore, into this trial.

Electroretinographic and clinicopathologic correlations of retinal dysfunction in infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (infantile Batten disease).

Infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL) is an autosomal recessive disease that results from deficiency of palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1 (PPT1). INCL leads to retinal blindness, neurodegeneration, and early death. We studied the clinical features and electroretinogram (ERG) in three patients and histopathologic and immunofluorescence analyses of the retina in the third patient, who died at 3 years 2 months of age.

Laser trabecular sclerosis for chronic hypotony after vitreoretinal surgery.

Purpose: To perform a pilot study of laser trabecular sclerosis (LTS) for chronic ocular hypotony after vitreoretinal surgery.

Design: Prospective noncomparative case series.

Participants: Three patients with chronic hypotony after vitreoretinal procedures underwent LTS.

Treatment of retinal and choroidal degenerations and dystrophies: current status and prospects for gene-based therapy.

Inherited retinal and choroidal degenerations account for a significant portion of blindness in children and young adults. This article reviews the current status and future prospects for the treatment of these disorders. Current treatment strategies include nutritional intervention for gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina with hyperornithinemia, abetalipoproteinemia, and Refsum's disease, as well as vitamin A supplementation for retinitis pigmentosa.

Genetics of uveitis.

Uveitis phenotypes can differ substantially, and most uveitis diseases are considered polygenic with complex inheritance patterns. When considering the genetics of these diseases, common threads can be identified. For example, in virtually every polygenic disease studied, there exists an HLA genetic association.

With a mere nod, uveitis enters a new era.

Purpose: To advance the knowledge of the ophthalmologist with regard to new developments in the genetics and pathologic mechanisms of uveitis.

Design: A review of recently published literature exploring the relationship between the nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD2) gene and uveitis.

Results: Mutations in the nucleotide-binding region of NOD2 were found to be responsible for familial juvenile systemic granulomatosis (Blau syndrome or Jabs disease), a rare form of uveitis, arthritis, and dermatitis.